11 Off-the-Beaten-Path Hiking Trails to Explore
Discover lesser-known hiking trails across the U.S. that offer stunning views, solitude, and unforgettable adventures far from the crowds.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Some trails are simply too busy to appreciate these days, let’s face it. However, there are still spots where you can hear your own footsteps without being interrupted by other people and where you can see unspoiled beauty everywhere you look. We choose to create a list specifically for you because of this. There are less-traveled pathways there that will nonetheless wow you. The type of experience that will remind you why you fell in love with the outdoors in the first place may be found on these 11 lesser-known walks.
1. Mauna Loa Trail – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
niksnut on Flickr
Trek through lava fields, ancient craters, and misty rainforests on this raw, surreal hike to the summit of one of the world’s largest volcanoes. The air is thin and the terrain harsh, but the view above the clouds is otherworldly.
2. Cloudland Canyon – Rising Fawn, Georgia
Jeff Gunn on Wikimedia Commons
Cutting through deep sandstone gorges, this trail leads to hidden waterfalls, lush forest paths, and epic cliffside views. Unlike Georgia’s more famous trails, this one feels like a secret garden tucked into the edge of Lookout Mountain.
3. Lost Coast Trail – King Range, California
Melanienacouzi on Wikimedia Commons
One of the only coastal wilderness hikes in the lower 48, this trail snakes along the remote northern California shoreline. With waves crashing beside you and zero road access, it’s wild and untamed.
4. Teton Crest Trail – Grand Teton National Park (Backcountry Route), Wyoming
Zruda on Flickr
While the main park trails get crowded, this backcountry route gives hikers a front-row seat to the Tetons without the buzz. With alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and sweeping ridge views, it’s a dreamscape in motion.
5. Ozette Triangle Trail – Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park on Wikimedia Commons
A 9.4‑mile coastal loop through cedar boardwalks, ancient petroglyphs, and rocky tide pools. It’s not just a hike — it’s a walk through time.
6. Colorado Trail – Segment 15, Buena Vista to Leadville, Colorado
Rick McCharles on Flickr
This often-overlooked stretch climbs over high alpine passes, skirts shimmering lakes, and ascends toward the country’s highest incorporated town. Wildflowers blanket the meadows in summer, and the lack of crowds makes it feel like your personal mountain playground.
7. Big Bend Outer Mountain Loop – Big Bend National Park, Texas
Len Hardy on Flickr
This 30-mile circuit winds through remote canyons, crosses arid mesas, and traverses forgotten desert wash areas. Despite its size, it’s lightly trafficked compared to the popular Santa Elena Canyon route.
8. Green Mountain Trail – White Mountains, New Hampshire
ECTran71 on Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away behind more famous peaks, this moderate loop features mossy forests, hidden waterfalls, and peaceful bogs. With its rolling terrain and wildflower-lined ridgelines, it feels like New England secrets only locals know.
9. Delaware Water Gap – Millbrook Village Loop, Pennsylvania/New Jersey
Nicholas on Wikimedia Commons
Skip the overrun Raymondskill Falls and opt for this 9.5‑mile loop circling historic Millbrook Village ruins, lush woods, and shaded creek valleys. You’ll cross quaint wooden bridges, pass a historic railroad bed, and stumble across a pond perfect for cooling off.
10. Beaver Brook Falls Loop – White Mountains, New Hampshire
Zach Bonnell on Flickr
Beyond the main trail, this 6‑mile circuit ventures into fern-lined gullies and reaches a roaring 80-foot waterfall that few hikers explore. Expect rocky steps behind the cascade and a forest canopy so thick it’s like walking inside a cathedral.
11. The Maze – Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Jesse Varner on Flickr
Dubbed one of the most remote areas in the continental U.S., this labyrinth of sandstone canyons requires serious planning and navigation skills. Hike through twisting gullies, climb surreal rock towers, and camp under one of the darkest night skies.